WASHINGTON – Today in Harrisburg, Penn., representatives of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association (PFPA) are meeting with state lawmakers to discuss legislative proposals that would affect the 53,000 Pennsylvanians who work in the industry.

Industry representatives, including companies like Domtar and Glatfelter, will share with lawmakers details of the industry’s positive economic impact on Pennsylvania and its commitment to sustainable manufacturing leadership under AF&PA’s Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 initiative.

“Paper and paper-based packaging facilities in Pennsylvania use sustainable manufacturing practices to make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “We want to make sure state energy and environmental legislation accounts for our industry’s sustainability leadership so we can continue generating good jobs and economic growth for Pennsylvania.”

Two hundred and seventy-four pulp, paper, paper packaging and forest products facilities operate in Pennsylvania. These facilities employ 53,000 Pennsylvanians with an annual payroll of approximately $2.7 billion. Estimated state and local taxes paid by the industry total $173 million annually.

“The wood products industry in Pennsylvania directly provides thousands of family-wage jobs, most of which are located in and strengthen rural communities,” said Pennsylvania Forest Products Association Executive Director Paul Lyskava. “We look forward to continuing to work with the state legislature to recognize the good work already being done to benefit the environment for future generations, as well as to maximize our industry’s contributions to the state.”